Pressing device.



P. A. MILLS.. PRESSING DEVIGE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 26, 1908.

Patented June 14,1910.

3 SHEETS-SHBET 1.

iawy/iw F. A. MILLS. PRESSING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 26, 1908. 961,150. Patented June 14, 1910.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

IN VE N TOR Feierz'cJr/A .MZZS

WITNESSES ATTOBNEFS F. A. MILLS.

PRESSING DEVICE. APPLIOATI6N FILED AUG. 26, 1908. 961,1 50. PatentedJune 14, 1910.

3 SEEKERS-SHEET 3.

WITNESSES INVENTOH W C W Frederick/f. J'ZZZZS ATTORNEYS FREDERICK A.MILLS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

PRESSING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 14, 1910.

Application filed August 26, 1908. Serial No. 450,325.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK A. MILLs, a citizen of the United States,and a resident of the city of New York, borough of Manhattan, in thecounty and State of New York, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Pressing Devices.

This invention relates to improvements in pressing devices designed forthe pressing and creasing of garments, such for example as trousers.

The chief object of my invention is to provide such a device which canbe used to press and crease garments, such as trousers while they arebeing worn.

Other objects, more or less incidental, as well as the means which Iemploy to attain these objects, will be clear from the followingdescription, which sets forth a practical embodiment of the invention,reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l isa perspective view, showing the manner in which the invention is used.Fig. 2 is a side elevation of one of the garment clamps in position onthe supporting standard. Fig. 3 is a plan View of the same clamp. Fig. 4is a sectional view of the same clamp on line 44 of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is aperspective view of the creasing irons. Fig. 6 is a vertical sectionalview of one of the creasing irons, the section being taken on the line66 in Fig. 9, with parts of the heater element removed. Fig. 7 is avertical section taken through the pivot which connects the two pressingirons. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one of the pressing ironsdetached from its fellow iron. Fig. 9 is a cross section of the samepressing iron taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 6.

Referring in detail to the construction illustrated, 1 indicates anupright rod or standard, which I preferably form of two round hollowbars soldered or otherwise securely fastened together. This standard hasat its lower end a stirrup 2 adapted to receive the foot of the personwhose trousers are to be pressed. The upper end of the standard 1 isprovided with a knob 3 or other suitable handle which may be grasped bythe person, as indicated in Fig. 1 of the drawing.

On the standard 1 are mounted a pair of clamps, each of which isdesignated in its entirety by 4, these clamps being adapted to engagethe trousers, one near the bottom, and the other near the top, and tohold the cloth taut so as to form a fold where the cloth is to becreased. Each of these clamps comprises two arms or jaws 5 and 6, whichare pivotally connected at one end by a pin 7 The opposite ends of theclamping arms 5, 6, are formed with flat inner faces 5 6* between whichthe cloth is received, as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4. The arm 5 isformed to receive the standard 1 and the arm 6 is adapted to engage theex posed side of the standard when it is in position between the arms ofthe clamp. The two arms are forced together to grip the cloth and thestandard 1, by means of a thumb-screw 8 which projects through anelongated aperture 6 in the arm 5 and through an interiorly threadedaperture 10 in the arm 6, with the interior threads of which it isadapted to engage. The thumb screw 8 is provided with a collar 6 which,with the head 8*, prevents any lateral movement of the thumb-screw withreference to the arm 5, and it is also provided with the head 11 tolimit the lateral movement of the arm 6. The form of the arm 6 is suchthat the cloth will be compressed between the faces 6 and 5 before thearm 6 takes rigid hold of the standard, which not only insures a firmgrip upon the cloth but also permits the adjustment of the clamp uponthe standard. The adjustability of the clamps 4 on the standard 1 isdesirable, especially in the case of the upper clamp, inasmuch as itpermits the clamp to be moved upward after the cloth has been gripped,thus holding the cloth taut to form the fold, after which the clamp issecured to the standard by the further turning of the thumbscrew.Furthermore, the adjustability of the clamps adapts the device totrousers of various lengths.

To crease the garment after it has been drawn into suitable position andthere held by the clamps 4, I provide a pressing device adapted to slidealong the standard 1 and which comprises a pair of irons 12 and 13 soconnected that they may be moved apart to receive and press the clothbetween them.

The two irons are provided with pivot and handle brackets 14 and 15which may be secured to the irons proper by screws, as indicated, or maybe cast in one with the irons, if desired. The bracket 14 is formed withlugs 14 which have apertures 14 to receive a pivot pin or bolt 16. Theother bracket 15 is formed with lugs 15 which have open slots 15 toreceive the bolt 16, the construction being such that the iron 13 may bereadily separated from its mate by withdrawing the lugs 15 from thepivot pin. Handles l7 and 18 are mounted on the brackets 14 and 15 asshown.

19 is a spring which is coiled about the pivot pin 16, its lower endengaging at 19 with the bracket 14, while its other end engages at 19with the bracket 15. The latter end of the spring is extended, as at 19,so that it may be grasped and forced into engagement with a hook 20which is mounted on the handle 17. It will be seen that the spring tendsboth to force the two irons 12 and 13 together and to hold the latter orrather its bracket lugs 15 in engagement with the pivot bolt 16. If itis desired to separate the two irons, it is only necessary to force theend 19 of the spring over the hook 20, thus relieving the springpressure on the bracket 15, and freeing the iron 13 so that it may bereadily withdrawn from the pivot bolt. The brackets 14 and 15 have theirinner edges cut away, as shown at 14 and 15 to receive the standard 1.

Irons such as I employ may be heated in various ways, as will beunderstood, but I much prefer to heat one or both of the irons by meansof electricity. In the present instance only the iron 13 is providedwith means for heating. Referring to Figs. 6, 8 and 9 of the drawings,it will be seen that this iron is formed with a cavity in which theheating coils are disposed. The iron proper comprises a cast iron shell21 which has at the back a removable cover plate 22. 23 is a coil ofhigh resistance metal wound upon a sheet 24 of insulating material'such,for example, as mica, the ends of the coil being connected to plugs 25and 26 mounted with suitable insulation in one end of the shell 21. Theheating coil is disposed between two sheets 27 and 28 of insulatingmaterial and a sheet of asbestos .29 covers the insulating sheet 28. Thecoil, together with the various insulating parts, is secured in positionagainst the inner surface of the shell 21 by means of a backing plate 30and screws 31. The plugs 25 and 26 may be connected to the terminals ofan electric circuit in a well-known manner and the passage of thecurrent through the heating coil 23 generates the desired heat. The iron12 may be provided with a heating coil in the same mamier, out as snownit comprises simply a shell 32 and cover plate 33 similar inconstruction to the parts of the iron 13 which are shown in detail.

In using my invention, the wearer of the trousers which are to bepressed, places his foot in the stirrup 2 of the standard. The lowerclamp 4 is then secured to the bottom of the trousers, as shown in Fig.1 and the clamp rigidly secured to the standard by means of thethumb-screw 8. The upper clamp 4 is then secured to the garment by aturn of the thumb-screw and is drawn up ward so as to draw the clothtaut and form a fold where the cloth is to be creased. \Vith the upperclamp in such position, the thumbscrew is further turned to secure theclamp rigidly to the standard.

The pressing irons being connected with the terminals of the electriccircuit, the operator grasps the handles of the irons so as to force thelatter apart and then allows them to close upon the cloth under theaction of the spring 19. In this position the irons are left for asuitable length of time to insure the creasing and smoothing of thecloth under the combined action of the pressure and heat and then theirons are released and moved along the standard and again clamped uponthe cloth in the same manner, this operation being repeated until thecloth is pressed and creased all the way from the upper to the lowerholding clamp. Before applying the irons it is desirable to moisten thecloth, and this may be conveniently done by the use of a spray orsponge.

The manner in which the irons are guided by the uprightstandard is ofconsiderable importance,inasmuch as it insures a uniform pressing of thegarment, as well as greatly facilitating the manipulation of the irons.

I consider the electrical heating of the irons in a device of this kindof importance since it provides a continuous and steady supply of heatto the iron and permits the device to be used with the utmostconvenience and effectiveness, the necessity for continually removingand re-heating the irons being entirely obviated.

As has been stated above, the two irons are separable and it will beseen that when the iron 13 is separated from its mate it may beconveniently used as a smoothing iron in the usual manner.

I do not claim herein the particular form of heating irons, as theyconstitute the subject matter of my co-pending application, Serial No.449,017, filed August 18, 1908.

hat I claim as my invention is:

1. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of asupport, means on said support adapted to engage and hold the garment inthe form of a fold, and means slidably engaging said support forpressing and creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair ofelements movably connected to each other and adapted to engage theopposite sides of the fold to press and crease it.

2. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of asupport, means on said support adapted to engage and hold the garment inthe form of a fold, means slidably engaging said support for pressingand creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair of elementsmovably connected to each other and adapted to engage the opposite sidesof the fold to press and crease it, and means for continuously heatingone of the elements of the pressing means while in use.

3. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of asupport, means on said support adapted to engage and hold the garment inthe form of a fold, and means slidably engaging said support forpressing and creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair ofirons movably connected to each other and having opposing faces adaptedto engage the opposite sides of the fold to press and crease it.

4. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of asupport, means on said support adapted to engage and hold the garment inthe form of a fold, means slidably engaging said support for pressingand creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair of ironsmovably connected to each other and having opposing faces adapted toengage the opposite sides of the fold to press and crease it, and meansfor continuously heating one of said irons while in use.

5. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of asupport, means on said support adapted to engage and hold the garment inthe form of a fold, and means slidably engaging said support forpressing and creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair ofirons pivotally connected to each other and having opposing facesadapted to engage the opposite sides of the fold to press and crease it.

6. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of asupport, means on said support adapted to en age and hold the garment inthe form of a fold, means slidably engaging said support for pressingand creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair of ironspivotally connected to each other and having opposing faces adapted toengage the opposite sides of the fold to press and crease it, and meansfor continuously heating one of said irons while in use.

7. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of anelongated support, a pair of clamps mounted on said support, eachadapted to grip the garment and one being adjustable on the supportwhereby the cloth of the arment may be drawn to form a fold, and meansslidably engaging said support for pressing and creasing the said fold,said means comprising a pair of elements movably connected to each otherand adapted to engage the opposite sides of the fold to press and creaseit.

8. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of anelongated support, a pair of clamps mounted on said support, eachadapted to grip the garment and one being adjustable on the supportwhereby the cloth of the garment may be drawn to form a fold, meansslidably engaging said support for pressing and creasing. the said fold,said means comprising a pair of elements movably connected to each otherand adapted to engage the opposite sides of the fold to press and creaseit, and means for continuously heating one of the elements of thepressing means While in use.

9. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of asupport, a pair of clamps mounted on said support, each adapted to gripthe garment and one being adjustable on the support whereby the cloth ofthe garment may be drawn to form a fold, and means slidably engagingsaid support for pressing and creasing the said fold, said meanscomprising a pair of irons movably connected to each other and havingopposing faces adapted to engage the opposite sides of the fold to pressand crease it.

10. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of asupport, a pair of clamps mounted on said support, each adapted to gripthe garment and one being adjustable on the support whereby the cloth ofthe garment may be drawn to form a fold, means slidably engaging saidsupport for pressing and creasing the said fold, said means comprising apair of irons movably connected to each other and having opposing facesadapted to engage the opposite sides of the fold to press and crease it,and means for continuously heating one of the irons while in use.

11. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination ofan elongated support, a pair of clamps mounted on said support, eachadapted to grip the garment and one being adjustable on the supportwhereby the cloth of the garment may be drawn to form a fold, and meansslidably engaging the said support for pressing and creasing the saidfold, said means comprising a pair of irons pivotally connected to eachother and having opposing faces adapted to engage the opposite sides ofthe fold to press and crease it.

12. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination ofan elongated support, a pair of clamps mount-ed on said support, eachadapted to grip the garment and one being adjustable on the supportwhereby the cloth of the garment may be drawn to form a fold, meansslidably engaging the said support for pressing and creasing the saidfold, said means comprising a pair of irons pivotally connected to eachother and having opposing faces adapted to engage the opposite sides ofthe fold to press and crease it, and means for continuously heating oneof said irons while in use.

18. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of astandard having a base adapted to receive the foot, a pair of clampsmounted on said standard, each adapted to grip the garment and one beingadjustable on the standard whereby the cloth of the garment may be drawnto form a fold, and means slidably engaging the said standard forpressing and creasing. the said fold, said means comprising a pair ofelements movably connected to each other and adapted to engage theopposite sides of the fold to press and crease it.

14. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of astandard having a base adapted to receive the foot, a pair of clampsmounted on said standard, each adapted to grip the garment and one beingadjustable on the standard whereby the cloth of the garment may be drawnto form a fold, means slidably engaging the said standard for pressingand creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair of elementsmovably connected to each other and adapted to engage the opposite sidesof the fold to press and crease it, and means for continuously heatingone of the elements of the pressing means while in use.

15. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of astandard having a base adapted to receive the foot, a pair of clampsmounted on said standard each adapted to grip the garment and one beingadjustable on the standard whereby the cloth of the garment may be drawnto form a fold, and means slidably engaging the said standard forpressing and creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair ofirons movably connected to each other and having opposing faces adaptedto engage the opposite sides of the fold to press and crease 1t.

16. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of astandard having a base adapted to receive the foot, a pair of clampsmounted on said standard each adapted to grip the garment and one beingadjustable on the standard whereby the cloth of the garment may be drawnto form a fold, means slidably engaging the said standard forpressingand creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair of ironsmovably connected to each other and having opposing faces adapted toengage the opposite sides of the fold to press and crease it, and meansfor continuously heat ing, one of said irons While in use.

17. In a device for pressing and creasing garments the combination of astandard having a base adapted to receive the foot, a pair of clampsmounted on said standard, each adapted to grip the garment and one beingadjustable on the standard whereby the cloth of the garment may be drawnto form a fold, and means slidably engaging the said standard forpressing and creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair ofirons pivotally connected to each other and having opposing facesadapted to engage the opposite sides of the fold to press and crease it.

18. In a device for pressing and creasing garments, the combination of astandard having a base adapted to receive the foot, a pair of clampsmounted on said standard, each adapted to grip the garment and one beingadjustable on the standard whereby the cloth of the garment may be drawnto form a fold, means slidably engaging the said standard for pressingand creasing the said fold, said means comprising a pair of ironspivotally connected to each other and having opposing faces adapted toengage the opposite sides of the fold to press and crease it, and meansfor continuously heating one of said irons while in use.

19. In a device for pressing and creasing garments while being worn,means for holding the cloth of the garment in the form of a fold,comprising a pair of clamps adapted to be secured one at each end of thesaid fold, and a support remote from the said fold to which the clampsare secured and by which they are held in proper relative positionswhile the fold is being pressed.

FREDERICK A. MILLS.

Witnesses:

JMAXWELL SILsBE, GILBERT E. YOUMANS.

